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Manual Printing

Design and print a manual that’s as user-friendly as it is durable and eye-catching with our outstanding and cost-effective offset printing services.

Manuals are essential documents for any business or organisation, and it’s important to get them right. Whether you’re producing a user guide, an instructional booklet, an onboarding handbook, an educational primer, a technical specification, a training workbook, or a service manual, it’s crucial that the final product is on-message in terms of design, layout, practicality, and ease of use.

At QinPrinting, we believe your customers, clients, and staff deserve practical manuals whose quality and usability make their tasks easier, more efficient, and even enjoyable. With 25 years of success in the industry, an expert team, the latest in design and print technology, and a genuine commitment to customer service, we’re proud of our strong reputation across the industry as a trusted manual printer—just as you’re proud of your customers, dedicated staff, and team members.

Practical manual printing services
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Manual Printing Service
Manual Printing
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Practical manual printing services
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Manual Printing Service
Manual Printing
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Manual Printing Instant Quote

MOQ: 100pcs
3.74"-12" 95-305 mm
3.74"-14.5" 95-370 mm
Binding
Inner Page Count
 Pages
32
800
Inner (Full colour printing)
1 gsm ≈ 0.68 lb Text Paper
Cover(Full colour printing)
1 gsm ≈ 0.68 lb Text Paper
Lamination
Surface (Multi-select available)
EXW Shanghai Price: AUD 00 save now A$000 Unit Price: A$0.00 The price doesn’t include shipping costs and duty. Estimated weight: 18kg
To other countries, please contact us
Delivery to 00000, United State of American
Please enter your zip code *Excluding duty and tax
Total
$00000 unit price:$0.0

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Common Printed Booklet Sizes

The size of your printed manual typically depends on your content, page count, layout, orientation, and materials. However, there are practical limitations in most real-world scenarios.

The standard A4 size (210 mm × 297 mm) is a practical choice, especially if you need to post your manuals.
Larger sizes—such as 210 mm × 320 mm—can be helpful if your manual includes complex or detailed diagrams.
Likewise, a compact A5 size (148 mm × 210 mm) may be ideal for pocket-sized manuals.
At QinPrinting, we’re happy to produce custom manuals in any size or format you prefer. Just keep in mind that extensive customisation can lead to higher costs and potentially longer turnaround times due to the extra pre-press work and setup involved. That said, for certain applications, the additional investment may be worthwhile.

Manual Printing Paper Options

Manuals can contain a broad range of content—from text to diagrams to full-colour or black-and-white photographs, or any combination of these elements. While most manuals include written content, the images, diagrams, and photographs are often the focus and a key means of communication.

If your manual includes a lot of photography, we recommend printing on gloss or matte art paper for the best results. Both finishes provide ideal surfaces for high-quality printing and will reproduce your photographs with accurate colour, contrast, and detail. Gloss paper is often best for manuals with full-colour layouts and minimal text, whereas manuals with more text may benefit from matte paper. Matte still delivers excellent colour or black-and-white photo reproduction, but keeps the text easier to read.

For manuals that rely heavily on line-drawn diagrams, it’s essential that the line work is sharp and clear. Diagrams may be printed in black on white or in colour. If it’s important that users can write on the manual pages, the paper’s absorbency becomes crucial. If the surface is too glossy, pen or pencil marks may not adhere well; if it’s too fibrous, the ink may bleed or feather.

At QinPrinting, we recommend white offset paper for most text- or diagram-based manuals. Offset paper—also known as uncoated wood-free paper (UWF)—has the lignin removed during the pulping process. The result is a natural-looking, absorbent white sheet with an excellent balance of strength, opacity, and brightness, making it ideal for text, diagrams, and writing. We measure paper thickness by weight. For manuals, the paper should be at least 100 gsm; however, 120 gsm or even 140 gsm is often preferred to prevent ink from showing through to the reverse side.

For the cover, we suggest gloss or matte coated art paper. If you are only printing on the outside cover, a single-sided coated paper is sufficient. If you wish to print on both the inside and outside covers, then double-sided coated paper is required. Coated papers are more durable than offset stock and help protect the interior while enhancing the impact of your cover design. We recommend 250 to 300 gsm gloss or matte coated art paper for manual covers.

You’ll need at least two paper specifications for your manual: one for the interior pages and one for the cover. While most manuals are not casebound, certain industries—such as automotive—may prefer a hardcover format. In those cases, you may also wish to include endpapers, which can match the interior stock or be a heavier, coloured, or textured paper depending on your preference.

Paper Options for Manuals

Sewn perfect binding—a type of paperback that can lie flat when open without cracking the spine—is a popular choice for high-quality manuals that need to be used “hands-free” and withstand repeated use. This binding style requires the spine to be at least 3 mm thick.

Other commonly used bindings for manuals include spiral binding and saddle stitching. We’ll outline these options below. Hardcover binding is also available and is often selected for a professional, high-end finish—frequently used for automotive, engineering, and other technical manuals.

Here’s a useful list of the most popular paper types:

Cover Paper

  • 200 gsm gloss cover paper
  • 250 gsm gloss cover paper
  • 300 gsm gloss cover paper
  • 350 gsm gloss cover paper
  • 200 gsm matte cover paper
  • 250 gsm matte cover paper
  • 300 gsm matte cover paper

Interior Paper

  • 80 gsm coated text paper
  • 105 gsm coated text paper
  • 128 gsm coated text paper
  • 157 gsm coated text paper
  • 200 gsm coated text paper
  • 80 gsm uncoated text paper
  • 100 gsm uncoated text paper
  • 120 gsm uncoated text paper

Special Finish Options

Here are some popular surface finishes that can enhance both the appearance and durability of your manual.

Bindings for Manuals

While manuals may vary widely in shape and size, the choice of binding is crucial. It needs to be attractive, practical, and durable. Below is a clear explanation of the most common, professional-looking manual binding options. All of these styles allow the manual to lie flat when open.

Sewn perfect bound

Sewn Perfect Bound

This is one of our most commonly used binding styles for manuals. The interior pages are gathered into groups known as “signatures”, which are then sewn together and fixed into a wrap-around cover made from heavier art paper or lightweight card stock. For manuals with a moderate page count, this is a practical and long-lasting option.

Saddle Stitch Binding

Saddle Stitch Binding

To saddle stitch your manual, we fold the printed interior sheets and insert them into a cover sheet, then staple them together along the folded edge. This method requires the total page count to be divisible by four. The maximum effective page count for saddle stitching is around 48 pages.

Wire-O Binding

Wire-O & Spiral Binding

Spiral binding is another popular choice thanks to its functionality and flexibility. We punch or drill holes along one edge of the pages and thread a plastic coil through them, which is then crimped at both ends to prevent loosening. A spiral-bound manual can be laid completely flat and the pages turned 360°. We also offer page lamination for added resistance to UV light, fingerprints, and spills. This makes it an ideal solution for manuals used in workshops, laboratories, or outdoor environments.

No matter which binding option you choose, we understand that as a busy professional, you already have a lot on your plate. That’s why we make it simple to design your manual using one of our ready-made templates. And if you’d like to check paper quality first, feel free to request samples—we’re happy to send them to you by post at no extra cost.

Manual Design and Artwork Tips

It’s essential that both you and your designer—or design team—understand how to properly prepare your manual files for print. You’ll need to take into account bleed zones, safety margins, trim lines, and borders, and ensure that the resolution and colour settings are correct. With that in mind, here are some helpful tips to ensure your design files are “print-ready”.

PDF

Export your files as vector-based PDFs for best results. We recommend using professional design software such as Adobe Illustrator or Adobe InDesign. These programs also allow you to convert your colour settings from RGB to CMYK, which is required for offset printing.

300dpi

If you're unable to supply vector files—such as when exporting bitmap images from Photoshop—make sure your resolution is set to at least 300 dpi. Vectors are resolution-independent, but all raster images must be high resolution to avoid becoming blurry or pixelated when resized.

3 mm bleed zone

Add a 3 mm bleed zone around all pages. This bleed is an extended area beyond the edge of the final page size, allowing for minor movement during trimming. Once printed, this outer section is cut away to ensure your artwork extends right to the edge of the page without any white borders.

trim line 10mm

Within the bleed, make sure to include trim lines (typically marked in green) to indicate the final size of the page. Keep all essential elements—like text, logos, and key visual details—at least 10 mm inside the trim line to avoid any risk of them being cut off.

If you’re working with a professional designer, they should be familiar with these requirements. But if you’re creating your design using software yourself—such as Adobe Illustrator or InDesign—these are the key guidelines to follow before submitting your files for print.

While it’s your responsibility to ensure your files are print-ready, don’t worry if it’s your first time. We’re happy to guide you through the process, explain what’s needed, liaise with your designer if needed, and manually check all your files to help ensure everything goes smoothly and you receive a high-quality printed manual.

Need Help Preparing Your Files? We Offer a Free File Checking Service

Can’t find what you want? Contact us!

Custom Manual Printing Costs

At QinPrinting, we work closely with each organisation to develop and print manuals, guides, and handbooks that not only present information clearly and intuitively, but also look professional—demonstrating your company’s commitment to employees, clients, and customers alike. Of course, we understand that most projects must stay within a set budget. That’s why we continually refine our processes and supply chains to ensure we deliver high-quality manuals at some of the most competitive prices in the industry.

So, how much does it cost to print a manual with us? You can get an instant estimate using our easy-to-read pricing charts. Unlike many traditional offset printers—which often require a minimum order of 1,000 units—we offer a low minimum order quantity of just 100 copies, all while maintaining affordable pricing. And as you’ll see from the charts, the more manuals you order in a single run, the lower the unit cost becomes.

How much does it cost to print a a5 manual?

Wire-O Binding Manual Printing Price Chart (148mm x 210mm)

Quantity 100 copies 500 copies 1000 copies 2000 copies 5000 copies 10000 copies
64pp + 4pp Unit: A$5.8
Total: A$580
Unit: A$1.77
Total: A$886
Unit: A$1.23
Total: A$1231
Unit: A$1
Total: A$1991
Unit: A$0.91
Total: A$4526
Unit: A$0.85
Total: A$8547
80pp + 4pp Unit: A$6.82
Total: A$682
Unit: A$2.07
Total: A$1036
Unit: A$1.44
Total: A$1441
Unit: A$1.15
Total: A$2294
Unit: A$1.03
Total: A$5161
Unit: A$0.96
Total: A$9638
120pp + 4pp Unit: A$9.55
Total: A$955
Unit: A$2.87
Total: A$1435
Unit: A$1.95
Total: A$1952
Unit: A$1.52
Total: A$3046
Unit: A$1.35
Total: A$6768
Unit: A$1.25
Total: A$12502
256pp + 4pp Unit: A$16.56
Total: A$1656
Unit: A$5.03
Total: A$2514
Unit: A$3.37
Total: A$3370
Unit: A$2.64
Total: A$5284
Unit: A$2.3
Total: A$11510
Unit: A$2.18
Total: A$21779
  • Please note that all prices are EXW from our facility and do not include shipping costs.
  • Cover: 250 gsm coated cover paper with matte lamination
  • Interior: 105 gsm coated text paper
  • Cover and inner: Full colour printing

Saddle Stitch Manual Printing Price Chart (210mm x 297mm)

Quantity 100 copies 500 copies 1000 copies 2000 copies 5000 copies 10000 copies
16pp + 4pp Unit: A$3.64
Total: A$364
Unit: A$1
Total: A$502
Unit: A$0.62
Total: A$622
Unit: A$0.47
Total: A$930
Unit: A$0.39
Total: A$1927
Unit: A$0.35
Total: A$3535
24pp + 4pp Unit: A$4.69
Total: A$469
Unit: A$1.3
Total: A$649
Unit: A$0.83
Total: A$833
Unit: A$0.61
Total: A$1228
Unit: A$0.51
Total: A$2545
Unit: A$0.46
Total: A$4589
32pp + 4pp Unit: A$5.02
Total: A$502
Unit: A$1.43
Total: A$713
Unit: A$0.91
Total: A$913
Unit: A$0.69
Total: A$1381
Unit: A$0.59
Total: A$2925
Unit: A$0.54
Total: A$5388
  • Please note that all prices are EXW from our facility and do not include shipping costs.
  • Cover: 200 gsm coated cover paper with matte lamination
  • Interior: 128 gsm coated text paper
  • Cover and inner: Full colour printing

For a more accurate quote, use our handy online Printing Cost Calculator. Simply head to the form, enter your specifications, and receive an instant quote! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch, and one of our friendly printing team members—not a robot or a disengaged call centre operator!—will be more than happy to assist. We pride ourselves on offering personalised service and tailored solutions for all the businesses and organisations we work with.

Let's Talk!

If you’re responsible for your company’s manual design and printing—and you’re looking to produce a high-quality, professional manual at an unbeatable price—let’s have a conversation. Get in touch today via phone, email, Skype, or our simple contact form to discuss your needs or request a no-obligation quote. We look forward to helping you create a manual that’s not only practical but also one of the most impressive you’ve ever had.

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Max upload size: 50MB. For larger files, use WeTransfer or other platforms to send to [email protected]

Size

Choose preset dimensions from the dropdown menu or click “Custom Size” to enter your own custom dimensions.

Please use the format, width x height; so, 5.5″ x 8.5″ would mean 5.5″ wide and 8.5″ high. The possible size range is 3.74″ to 11.69″ in width or height, allowing for portrait or landscape orientation.

size guide

Sewing and perfect binding

A premium variation of perfect binding that includes sewn pages for enhanced durability and the ability to lay flat without breaking the spine. Recommended for books with heavier interior paper or more than 200 pages.

Sewing and perfect binding detail

Page Count Range: 32–800 pages

If you need more pages, please contact us.

Perfect binding

A widely used binding method for softcover books, where pages are glued to a heavier cover. Ideal for books with more than 48 pages and fairly thin paper (80 gsm / 54 lb or 105 gsm / 71 lb text paper). It offers a sleek, professional look and is an economical choice for various genres.
perfect binding detail

Page Count Range: 32–800 pages

If you need more pages, please contact us.

Saddle stitch binding

A cost-effective binding method using staples or thread along the spine, suitable for booklets, magazines, and workbooks with 48 pages or fewer.

saddle titch binding detail

Page Count Range: 4–64 pages

If you need more pages, please contact us.

Wire-O binding

A strong, double-loop wire binding that allows pages to lie flat and turn easily. Ideal for textbooks, instructional guides, and manuals that require frequent handling. Available in various coil colors to match your design.

wire-o binding detail

Page Count Range: 4–800 pages

If you need more pages, please contact us.

Spiral Binding

Uses a plastic or metal coil to bind pages, allowing them to rotate 360 degrees. A durable and flexible choice for cookbooks, workbooks, and reference materials. Available in multiple coil colors for customized look.

spiral binding detail

Page Count Range: 4–800 pages

If you need more pages, please contact us.

Inner Page Count

You can adjust the page count by typing directly, clicking the plus or minus buttons, or dragging the horizontal slider.

Note: Inner pages do not include the cover, endpapers, dust jacket—only the internal content pages.

One sheet of paper is equal to two pages.

page sheet
page sheet

Inner Paper

Please select your paper choice for your book. If you have a special request not listed here, get in touch. 

gloss art Paper effect
Gloss Art Paper
A shiny, reflective surface that makes colors vibrant and images pop, perfect for illustrations, cartoons, and photographs. It delivers high-quality color reproduction, ideal for interior pages with rich visuals.
matte art Paper effect

Matte Art Paper
Provides a smooth, non-glossy finish that reduces glare and makes text easier to read. It offers excellent image reproduction while preserving a professional, subdued look for both graphics and text.

Offset Paper effect

Offset (Uncoated) Paper
A natural, uncoated paper that provides a smooth, absorbent surface, making it ideal for writing. It offers excellent opacity and brightness, ensuring text is crisp and clear. This paper is commonly used for books that emphasize readability and is often chosen for trade paperback novels, coloring books, etc.

Matte Lamination

A smooth, non-glossy finish that gives a sophisticated, soft appearance while reducing glare.

matte lamination effect

Gloss Lamination

Gloss lamination adds a shiny, smooth look that elevates the vibrancy and color of  printed surface.

Note: Spot UV is not available with this option.

gloss lamination effect

Soft Touch Lamination

Soft touch lamination is a relatively new technique. The result is similar to matte lamination, but the surface has a delightful, almost velvet feel which speaks of quality and luxury.

soft-touch lamination effect

Varnish

A light protective coating that adds subtle sheen and protection. 

Note: Spot UV is not available with this option.

varnish effect

Spot UV

Spot UV applies a clear, glossy coating to specific areas—such as titles, logos, or images—to enhance contrast and visual appeal.

Not suitable for surfaces with gloss lamination or varnish.

Note: This option supports foil areas up to 7.87″ × 1.96″. For larger sizes, please contact us.

spot uv effect

Gold Foil Stamping

Gold foil stamping adds a luxurious metallic finish to text or design elements, making them stand out with a subtle shimmer.

Custom shapes and other foil colors are available upon request.

Note: This option supports foil areas up to 5.9″ × 1.18″. For larger sizes, please contact us.

gold foil stamping effect

Silver Foil Stamping

Silver foil stamping adds a sleek metallic finish to text or design elements, creating a polished, eye-catching effect.

Custom shapes and other foil colors are available upon request.

Note: This option supports foil areas up to 5.9″ × 1.18″. For larger sizes, please contact us.

silver foil stamping effect

Emboss

Embossing creates a raised effect on selected text or design elements, adding depth and a tactile dimension to your print.

Note: This option supports embossed areas up to 7.87″ × 1.96″. For larger sizes, please contact us.

emboss effect